Colombian Citizenship: Can My Children Inherit It If I Become a Citizen?

For many expats in Colombia, the idea of becoming a citizen is about more than passports and paperwork—it’s about building a life and a future here. 

But one of the most common questions parents ask is: “If I become a Colombian citizen, will my children also get citizenship?”

The answer depends on how you acquire your citizenship, where your children are born, and their age. Let’s break it down step by step.

What Does Colombian Citizenship Mean?

Colombian citizenship is the legal and political bond between an individual and the State. According to the Colombian Constitution (Article 96) and the Law 2332 of 2023:

• Colombian nationality is not lost by acquiring another nationality.
• Citizens who hold dual nationality must always enter and leave Colombia as Colombians, using their Colombian passport or ID.

There are three main paths to colombian citizenship:

1. By Birth
   • If you are born in Colombia and at least one parent is Colombian.
   • If you are born in Colombia to foreign parents who are domiciled in the country at the time.
   • If you are born abroad to Colombian parents and later either register at a Colombian consulate or establish residence in Colombia.
2. By Naturalization
   • A process where foreigners who meet residency and legal requirements can apply for citizenship.
   • This includes those who came to Colombia on an investor visa, worked, studied, or lived here long-term.
3. By Adoption (Carta de Naturaleza)
   • Citizenship granted directly by the Colombian government at its discretion, usually for exceptional cases.

What Happens to My Children if I Become a Colombian Citizen?

This is where many expats get confused. Let’s clarify:

Children Born in Colombia

If you are a Colombian citizen at the time of their birth (whether by naturalization or birth), your children are Colombians by birth. 

You simply need to register their birth at the local civil registry.

Children Born Abroad

If you are a Colombian citizen and your children are born outside Colombia, they can also obtain citizenship. You must either:

• Register their birth at a Colombian consulate, or
• Move to Colombia and establish domicile for the child.

In both cases, they become Colombians by birth through their parent’s citizenship.

Children Before You Become a Citizen

If your children were born before you naturalized as Colombian, the rules are a bit different:

• Minors living in Colombia: The law allows parents to extend Colombian nationality to their underage children at the same time as their naturalization, provided they have residence in Colombia and are registered as dependents.
• Adult children: Once they turn 18, they cannot “inherit” citizenship automatically. They would need to go through their own application process if they wish to become citizens.

Can My Children “Inherit” Colombian Citizenship Automatically?

• Yes, if they are born after you are already a Colombian citizen.
• Yes, if they are minors and included in your naturalization process.
• Yes, if born abroad but registered at a consulate or domiciled in Colombia.
• No, if they are adults when you naturalize—they must apply separately.

Why This Matters for Families

If you’re an expat thinking long-term in Colombia—whether through work, retirement, or investment—knowing how colombian citizenship affects your children helps you plan your family’s legal future.

• Having Colombian citizenship gives your children access to local healthcare, education, and the right to live, work, and study in Colombia without restrictions.
• It also provides a strong passport in Latin America, with visa-free access to over 90 countries.
• For parents, it means peace of mind knowing your family is legally secure in your new home.

Practical Steps for Parents

1. Check your own eligibility for Colombian citizenship (residency, investment, or other visa pathways).
2. Include your minor children in your naturalization process if possible.
3. If your children are born abroad after you naturalize, register their birth at the nearest Colombian consulate.
4. Keep all documents updated—civil registry, passports, and consular records.
5. Consult with an immigration lawyer to avoid mistakes that could delay or block your child’s citizenship claim.

Final Thoughts

Colombian citizenship is more than a passport—it’s an opportunity to build a life with your family in a country that welcomes foreigners.

✅ If your children are minors when you naturalize, you can often extend citizenship to them.
✅ If they are born after you become Colombian, they are citizens by birth.
✅ If they are adults, they’ll need to go through their own process.

👉 Whether you came here for work, retirement, or investment, if Colombia is becoming home, make sure your children benefit too.

Want to secure Colombian citizenship for you and your family?

📩 Contact us today—we’ll guide you step by step to make sure your children inherit the same opportunities that Colombia offers you.